Although seemingly humble in use, Silver cutlery (or flatware) has a long and noble history. Pewter or steel were the metals of choice for most eating utensils up until the late 17th Century, but the demand for Silver flatware grew during the 18th Century. In England the Knife, Fork and Spoon combination only gained acceptance during the 17th Century and at that time it was common for people to carry their own utensils for eating. However, the Industrial Revolution of the 18th Century led to a surge in dining rituals and etiquette with some of the leading Silversmiths creating elegantly matching cutlery sets for guests and family. This peaked during the 19th Century.
The rise of Sheffield Plate and Electroplating during the mid 18th and mid 19th Centuries opened up the fashionable dining rituals to the middle and poorer classes who could now acquire the look of Silver without the exorbitant costs. During the 20th Century cutlery slowly became less ornamental and modernist in design and by the end of the 20th Century formal dining had disappeared substantially. Even so there will always remain something special about using antique and vintage Silver flatware even on a daily basis. It reconnects us back to the rituals of the past and often has a warm feel from years of enjoyable eating.
At LoveAntiques we have a fine and ever-changing selection of antique and vintage cutlery for all your dining needs.
Six George III Silver Bright-cut Teaspoons by George Burrows I, London 1795
£ 295
Touch of Time Antiques
Viner & Hall Adams Mahogany Canteen of Cutlery 148 Pieces on Stand Sheffield
£ 995
The Bleached Barn
Sterling Silver Boxed Victorian Three Piece Christening Set
£ 275
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
Scottish Provincial Silver Teaspoon - Possibly Thomas Dall, CUPAR c.1820
£ 245
Dart Silver Ltd
Victorian Boxed Sterling Silver Three Piece Christening Set
£ 285
Piers Rankin Silver Antiques
